'Arr, ' said Long John Silver, 'Arr, arr,' by way of clearing his throat, before addressing his 9 remaining companions.

'We've sailed the seas for 7 long years, and plundered a pirate hoard, and the time has come to divvy the loot at last. It goes without saying that each of you lubbers wants all the treasure he can lay his hands on.'

'Now, as ye know, the Rules of the Sea require that the Captain shall propose a division, and all then vote, democratical-like; if the proposal be passed, then all take accordingly. If the lots cast be tied, the Captain votes again, to break the tie. But if the division be rejected, the Captain forfeits his share, and the right to propose passes to the next in rank, and so on until a division be agreed at last.'

Now gather round me hearties, and listen to me proposal, according to rank: